A Comprehensive Guide to Baked Chicken Parmesan: From Recipe to Oven-less Alternative

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish enjoyed for its satisfying combination of breaded chicken, melted cheese, and savory sauce. While the traditional method involves frying the chicken before baking it for a crispy, golden exterior, baking offers a healthier and equally delicious alternative. This article will guide you through the steps to make perfect baked chicken parmesan, complete with a delicious oven-less alternative for those times when the oven is unavailable.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 cup breadcrumbs, preferably Italian-style 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

For the Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce, either store-bought or homemade

For Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh basil or parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions for Baked Chicken Parmesan

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.

Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Drizzle or spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread.

This baked chicken parmesan is a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion! Enjoy the rich, savory flavors with a healthier cooking method.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Without an Oven: An Oven-less Alternative

While the traditional method calls for baking in the oven, you can still have a delicious version of chicken parmesan without an oven. Here's a recipe from The New York Times by Melissa Clark that uses a different cooking method for the first stage.

Ingredients for Oven-Less Chicken Parmesan

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 cup breadcrumbs, preferably Italian-style 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray 2 cups marinara sauce, either store-bought or homemade 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions for Oven-Less Chicken Parmesan

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station as mentioned in the baked chicken parmesan recipe. Bread the chicken as described previously. Blanch the breaded chicken breasts in boiling water for 3-4 minutes or until they are no longer translucent and the outside is golden brown. Drain the chicken and let it cool. Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat until it's thoroughly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Place the cooked chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread.

This alternative uses the pan-frying and broiling method, which leaves the chicken with a similar texture to the oven-baked version but can be done with less equipment.

Chicken Parmesan, whether baked or oven-less, offers a delightful and satisfying meal that is loved by many. Whether you're looking for a healthier version or a quick weeknight dinner, these recipes provide the perfect solution.

Enjoy Your Meal!